A first summer in management is proving an eye-opening experience for Folkestone Invicta's joint-head coach Roland Edge.

There appears to be a busy close-season ahead at Cheriton Road, with Edge putting his own stamp on the squad alongside joint-boss Micheal Everitt.

Edge said: “Obviously, myself and Mev have got mates that are managers as well.

“They all have different views, some say ‘relax’ and some say ‘get it done early’. It’s quite an eye-opener.

“As much as you might like the job, you don’t want 12 months a year doing it.

“It’s tough and quite rewarding at times.

“It is what it is. I guess we’re all in the same boat.

“I do think it gets tougher, as the years go on.

“I’m enjoying it in a weird way - but ask me again in two weeks’ time!”

Overall, five players have left Invicta with legendary right-back Josh Vincent following versatile defender Matt Newman to Southern Counties East Premier Division Faversham.

On Vincent’s exit, Edge said: “It’s a big blow, really.

“I like JV as a player and as a person. Fair play to him.

“He was part of that young bunch, which kind of saved Folkestone.

“If you asked some people if he was the cream of the crop then, they probably would have said not. But, by the end, he certainly was the cream of the crop.

“But every player at a certain point decides they want a new challenge and I wish him all the best.”

Others who have moved on to pastures new include brothers Robbie and Ronnie Dolan, along with midfielder James Rogers, who missed Folkestone’s final Isthmian Premier game at Bognor to help Lydd earn promotion through the play-off Final to the Southern Counties East Premier Division.

Edge said: “Ronnie has been a great servant for the club. Robbie and Rogo came in last year and they did a great job.

“That happens to everyone at some stage.

“Did we want to lose five? No.

“But it just means we need to get on it a bit more.”

Edge revealed Isthmian Premier Invicta have agreed to sign a couple of new players already while defender Ian Gayle is set to stay.

On putting his own stamp on the squad, Edge said: “I’m looking forward to that.

“We have got a couple of new lads and I’m looking forward to working with them.

“I think they’ve got real potential - and I’ve said that to them. Then it’s down to them.”

The arrival of 30-year-old Gayle - the cousin of West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle -proved a successful one last summer.

Edge said: “We always talk about style of play but cohesiveness is the main thing. That’s the main issue with losing those players.

“But Gayley is staying, he’s a great character in that way.

“It’s about getting that cohesiveness in the changing room as fast as possible, which I think we will do.”

Work is also well under way on Folkestone’s pre-season schedule which includes a home friendly against Faversham on July 22.

“I like the games,” noted Edge. “I think you need a mixed bag from your league - or your level - some above and some below.

“They all bring something to pre-season. We have got a few sorted out.

“You get texts, saying ‘Fancy this’ or ‘Fancy that’.

“So I’m sure we will get a couple more but, at the minute, we have got a nice group of teams.”

Goalkeeper Joe Coleman has also agreed to stay for the 2023/24 campaign.